As if having melanoma isn’t already a big enough hurdle, a certain mutation has the potential to accompany it which can accelerate the cancer growth. Fortunately, there are options.
According to Cancer.org, a BRAF gene mutation is defined as “a specific mutation (change) in the BRAF gene, which makes a protein that is involved in sending signals in cells and in cell growth. This BRAF gene mutation may be found in some types of cancer, including melanoma and colorectal cancer. It may increase the growth and spread of cancer cells. Checking for this BRAF gene mutation in tumor tissue may help to plan cancer treatment.”
“A BRAF mutation is a genetic abnormality that happens within 50 percent of melanomas that spread to other parts of the body,” explains Dr. Anna Pavlick, Professor of Medicine and Dermatology at NYU’s Perlmutter Cancer Center. “It is this genetic abnormality that actually drives the melanoma to want to spread.”
Getting tested to see if you have the BRAF gene mutation is important in deciding how to tailor your melanoma treatment. If you have this genetic mutation, your doctor will go over your additional options, such as prescribing certain medicines designed to block the mutation.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Dr. Anna Pavlick is a medical oncologist and a Professor of Medicine and Dermatology at NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center. Read More
As if having melanoma isn’t already a big enough hurdle, a certain mutation has the potential to accompany it which can accelerate the cancer growth. Fortunately, there are options.
According to Cancer.org, a BRAF gene mutation is defined as “a specific mutation (change) in the BRAF gene, which makes a protein that is involved in sending signals in cells and in cell growth. This BRAF gene mutation may be found in some types of cancer, including melanoma and colorectal cancer. It may increase the growth and spread of cancer cells. Checking for this BRAF gene mutation in tumor tissue may help to plan cancer treatment.”
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“A BRAF mutation is a genetic abnormality that happens within 50 percent of melanomas that spread to other parts of the body,” explains Dr. Anna Pavlick, Professor of Medicine and Dermatology at NYU’s Perlmutter Cancer Center. “It is this genetic abnormality that actually drives the melanoma to want to spread.”
Getting tested to see if you have the BRAF gene mutation is important in deciding how to tailor your melanoma treatment. If you have this genetic mutation, your doctor will go over your additional options, such as prescribing certain medicines designed to block the mutation.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Dr. Anna Pavlick is a medical oncologist and a Professor of Medicine and Dermatology at NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center. Read More
